Gorham voters OK alcohol sales; Victor voters extend supervisor terms

Wednesday

Nov 6, 2013 at 12:42 AMNov 6, 2013 at 12:42 AM

By Melody Burrimelody@messengerpostmedia.com

Victor’s town supervisors will now be able to serve four-year terms, and Gorham residents have opened the door for alcohol to be sold at taverns, restaurants and seasonal hotels with restaurants, should any open up.Gorham voters cast their ballots Tuesday on three separate propositions that addressed alcohol sales in taverns, full-service restaurants and summer hotels. Residents voted 509 to 157 in favor of allowing alcohol sales in taverns that have a limited service menu such as salads and soups. Likewise, they voted 542 to 126 in favor of allowing alcohol sales in full-service restaurants. Summer hotels with full-service restaurants open for business between May 1 to Oct. 31 will also be able to sell alcohol, thanks to a 546-to-122 vote in favor of the change.A local law will now go to Town Board members for approval. Gorham Town Supervisor Fred Lightfoote said that if it is passed, it could encourage people to open a restaurant or hotel in the town. He said there are currently no hotels or taverns in Gorham.If the board approves the law, operators of all three types of establishments will be allowed to obtain state licenses to sell alcoholic beverages to customers to consume within the establishments. Unopened containers of beer may now also be sold to customers to open and drink at another location, such as at their homes.In Victor, residents voted 1,110 to 721 in favor of a referendum to extend the supervisor’s term of office from two to four years, effective following the 2015 election.Incumbent Republican John Marren Jr. ran unopposed this year and won a third two-year term as Victor’s town supervisor. He is not eligible to serve an extended term at this time.“It’s great to have a business background, but general knowledge of town budgets, town law, town code — being totally proficient — that takes time,” Marren said. “Two years is tough — extremely tough. Probably four is more than adequate.”Outgoing councilman Jack Dianetti has voiced support for the four-year supervisor term and believes the change will increase efficiency, as well as giving some consistency and stability for the town and for town employees.Supervisors in the towns of Phelps and Canandaigua currently serve a four-year term.— Includes reporting by Erinn Cain